Missouri Casinos – Best Places to Gamble in MO

Gambling in Missouri has always revolved around horse racing and riverboat casinos. Back in the 19th century, these industries were free to operate without any regulation. However, in 1905, the authorities started cracking down on all of the betting action and made all bookmaking operations illegal.

Legal gambling made a comeback in 1984 when Missouri legalized horse racing and set up an official lottery. Then, in 1992, riverboat casinos were given the green light. Unfortunately, as the casinos grew more popular, the horse racing scene dwindled. Local racetracks stopped hosting live races, and pari-mutuel betting disappeared from the state.

According to the Missouri Revised Statutes, gambling is defined as “staking or risking something of value upon the outcome of a contest of chance or future contingent event.” While this definition doesn’t specifically mention online gambling, it’s broad enough to cover most types of gambling. However, since Missouri lawmakers haven’t passed any iGaming regulations, local businesses can’t operate any gambling sites under the federal Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act. If caught, engaging in illegal gambling as a player is considered a Class C misdemeanor and could result in a fine of up to $750 and up to fifteen days in jail. Professional gamblers face stiffer penalties, including a fine of up to $2,000 and up to one year in jail. Home games are legal as long as no rake or fees are charged.

If you want to know more about Missouri gambling laws, check out the Missouri Revised Statutes Chapter 572.010 et seq. and 313.001 et seq. Just keep in mind that you need to be at least 16 to participate in charity games, 18 for lottery and pari-mutuel betting, and 21 for casino-style games.

List of Top Gambling Venues in Missouri

Related reading: Missouri online casinos

Reviews of the Top Missouri Casinos

1. Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles

This resort and casino complex is located in St. Charles, Missouri, and opened in 1994. The venue spans 130,000 square feet and includes a variety of gaming options such as slot machines, video poker, table games, and a poker room. Some of the popular game titles include Lightning Link, Buffalo Grand, Dragon Link, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.

In addition to the gaming floor, Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles also offers several dining options ranging from casual to upscale. Examples of some of the restaurants include Falcon Diner, Bugatti’s Steak and Pasta, and Asia. The resort also features several bars and lounges, such as the Amerisports Bar and the Bottleneck Blues Bar.

If you are looking for accommodation, the resort has a 397-room hotel with amenities such as a fitness center, indoor/outdoor pool, and a full-service spa. The hotel also offers room service and complimentary Wi-Fi for guests.

Other amenities available at Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles include a 20,000-square-foot conference center, a gift shop, and a 24-hour fitness center. The resort also has a high-limit slot and table game room, where guests can play with higher stakes.

2. Hollywood Casino St. Louis

Located in Maryland Heights, Missouri, Hollywood Casino St. Louis opened in 1997 and offers over 120,000 square feet of gaming space. The venue offers a wide range of gaming options such as slot machines, video poker, table games, and a poker room. Some popular game titles include Lightning Link, Dragon Link, Buffalo Gold, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.

The casino also features several dining options ranging from casual to upscale, including a steakhouse, buffet, sports bar, and coffee shop. Some examples of restaurants at the casino include the Final Cut Steakhouse, Eat Up! Buffet, and Celebrity Grill.

Hollywood Casino St. Louis has a 502-room hotel with an indoor pool, fitness center, and free Wi-Fi.

Other amenities at the casino include a 20,000-square-foot conference center, a gift shop, and a RV park for guests traveling with recreational vehicles. The casino also hosts regular live entertainment events and has multiple bars and lounges throughout the venue.

3. Lumière Place Casino & Hotels

Located in downtown St. Louis, Lumière Place Casino & Hotels opened in 2007 and offers over 75,000 square feet of gaming space. The venue offers a variety of gaming options, including slot machines, video poker, table games, and a poker room. Some popular game titles include Lightning Link, Dragon Link, Buffalo Grand, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.

Lumière Place Casino & Hotels also features several dining options ranging from casual to upscale, including several restaurants operated by celebrity chefs. Some examples of restaurants at the casino include The Kitchen Buffet & Bistro, Cielo Restaurant & Bar, and Burger Bar. The casino also has several bars and lounges throughout the venue.

The casino has a 294-room hotel with amenities such as a fitness center, indoor pool, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers room service and a full-service spa for guests.

Other amenities at the casino include a 20,000-square-foot event space, a gift shop, and a 24-hour fitness center. The casino also hosts regular live entertainment events and has a high-limit slot and table game room for guests who prefer to play with higher stakes.

4. River City Casino & Hotel

Located in Lemay, Missouri, River City Casino & Hotel launched in 2010 and offers over 90,000 square feet of gaming space. The venue offers a variety of gaming options such as slot machines, video poker, table games, and a poker room. Some popular game titles include Lightning Link, Dragon Link, Buffalo Gold, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.

River City Casino & Hotel also features several dining options ranging from casual to upscale, including several restaurants operated by celebrity chefs. Some examples of restaurants at the casino include The Beerhouse, Cibare Italian Kitchen, and 1904 Steak House. The casino also has several bars and lounges throughout the venue.

If you’re looking for accommodation, River City Casino & Hotel has a 200-room hotel with amenities such as a fitness center, indoor pool, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The hotel also offers room service and a full-service spa for guests.

There’s also a 14,000-square-foot event space, a gift shop, and a 24-hour fitness center. The casino also hosts regular live entertainment events and has a high-limit slot and table game room for guests who prefer to play with higher stakes.

Pricing for games, dining, and hotel accommodations can vary depending on the time of year and availability. It’s best to check the casino’s website or contact them directly for more specific pricing information.

5. Harrah’s North Kansas City

Located in North Kansas City, Missouri, Harrah’s North Kansas City opened in 1994 and offers over 60,000 square feet of gaming space. The venue offers a wide range of gaming options such as slot machines, video poker, table games, and a poker room. Some popular game titles include Lightning Link, Dragon Link, Buffalo Gold, and Ultimate Texas Hold’em.

Harrah’s North Kansas City also features several dining options ranging from casual to upscale, including a buffet, steakhouse, sports bar, and coffee shop. Some examples of restaurants at the casino include The Buffet at Harrah’s, 37 Steak, and Corner Grill. The casino also has several bars and lounges throughout the venue.

Other amenities at the casino include a 10,000-square-foot event space, a gift shop, and a 24-hour fitness center. The casino also hosts regular live entertainment events and has a high-limit slot and table game room for guests who prefer to play with higher stakes.

Missouri Gambling Revenues

Gambling has been legal in Missouri since 1992 and has become a significant source of revenue for the state. In 2021, the state’s licensed casinos generated over $1.7 billion in gross gaming revenue, according to the Missouri Gaming Commission. Of this revenue, a percentage is allocated to the state and local governments, education, and other programs.

Missouri’s state government receives a portion of the gambling revenue in the form of taxes. In 2021, the state collected over $317 million in gaming taxes, which was used to fund various programs such as education, health care, and infrastructure. This revenue has been crucial in funding important projects that benefit the citizens of Missouri.

Local governments also benefit from gambling revenues through taxes and fees paid by casinos. In 2021, the state’s local governments collected over $40 million in gaming taxes and fees. This revenue is used to fund local programs and services, such as public safety, transportation, and community development.

Education is another area that benefits from gambling revenues in Missouri. A portion of the state’s gaming taxes is allocated to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education. In 2021, the department received over $181 million in gaming revenue, which was used to fund K-12 education programs throughout the state.

In summary, gambling revenues generated in Missouri are allocated to various state and local programs, such as education, infrastructure, and public safety. The revenue has been critical in funding important projects and services that benefit the citizens of Missouri. The state’s licensed casinos have become a significant contributor to the economy, and the revenue generated is expected to continue to play an essential role in Missouri’s future.

Indian Gaming Tribes in Missouri

There are currently no federally recognized Indian tribes in Missouri. However, several tribes have historical ties to the state, such as the Osage Nation, Quapaw Nation, and Cherokee Nation. These tribes have faced various challenges throughout history, including displacement, forced removal, and loss of their lands and resources.

In recent years, there have been several efforts by Indian gaming tribes to establish casinos in Missouri. In 2021, the Shawnee Tribe in Oklahoma filed a lawsuit against the federal government, seeking to overturn a decision that prevented them from opening a casino in Missouri. The decision was based on the tribe’s lack of historical ties to the state.

There have also been conflicts between Indian gaming tribes and state governments over gaming regulations and revenue sharing. In 2019, the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma sued the state of Missouri, claiming that the state’s gaming laws violated their tribal sovereignty and resulted in unfair revenue sharing.

A History of Gambling in Missouri

Gambling has a long and complicated history in Missouri. The first gambling activities in the state can be traced back to the early 1800s, with riverboat gambling being a popular pastime. By the mid-1800s, Missouri had become a hub for gambling, with St. Louis becoming known as the “Monte Carlo of the West.”

In 1905, the state government enacted a complete ban on all forms of gambling. This ban lasted for over 80 years until the Missouri General Assembly passed the Missouri Gaming Commission Act in 1992, legalizing gambling in the state once again.

Under this act, Missouri allowed a limited number of licenses for riverboat casinos. The first casino, the President Casino on the Admiral, opened in 1994 in St. Louis. Over the years, the state’s gambling industry has grown, with several casinos opening in various cities, including St. Charles, Kansas City, and St. Joseph.

In 2008, Missouri voters approved a constitutional amendment that allowed the state to issue licenses for casinos on land-based sites. This amendment opened up the possibility for casinos to be built in more areas of the state.

Today, Missouri has 13 licensed casinos that generate billions of dollars in annual revenue. In 2021, the state’s casinos generated over $1.7 billion in gross gaming revenue, making Missouri one of the leading states in the Midwest for gambling revenue.

However, Missouri’s gambling industry has not been without controversy. There have been disputes over the location and ownership of casinos, as well as issues related to problem gambling and addiction.

In 2018, Missouri lawmakers passed a bill that allowed for the establishment of a fund to help individuals struggling with gambling addiction. The bill also required casinos to implement programs and policies to identify and assist individuals with gambling problems.

Overall, gambling has been a significant part of Missouri’s history and continues to be a crucial contributor to the state’s economy. The industry has come a long way since its early days, and it is likely to continue to evolve as technology and consumer preferences change.

Gambling Taxes in Missouri

If you’re a resident of Missouri who has won money through gambling, you may be required to pay taxes on your winnings. In Missouri, gambling winnings are subject to both state and federal taxes. The amount of tax you’ll need to pay depends on several factors, including the type of gambling activity you participated in and the amount of money you won.

For federal taxes, the IRS requires individuals to report all gambling winnings that exceed $600 in a single session. For example, if you won $700 playing slot machines at a casino, you would need to report that on your federal tax return. The tax rate for gambling winnings is based on your total income for the year and can range from 10% to 37%.

In Missouri, gambling winnings are subject to state income taxes. The state tax rate is 5.4% on all taxable income, including gambling winnings. However, Missouri residents are allowed to deduct any losses from their gambling activities, up to the amount of their winnings, when calculating their taxable income.

In addition to state and federal income taxes, gambling winnings in Missouri may also be subject to local taxes. Some municipalities in the state impose additional taxes on gambling activities, which vary depending on the city or county.

If you’re a resident of Missouri who has won money through gambling, it’s important to keep accurate records of your winnings and losses. This will make it easier to calculate the amount of tax you owe and avoid any penalties for underreporting your income. You can report your gambling winnings and losses on your Missouri state income tax return, which is due on April 15th each year.

Missouri Gambling FAQ

How much can you win at Missouri casinos before being taxed?

In Missouri, if you win more than $1,200 on a slot machine or bingo game, or more than $5,000 on a poker tournament, the casino will report your winnings to the IRS. However, you may still be required to pay state taxes on your gambling winnings regardless of the amount.

How to ban yourself from casinos in Missouri?

If you feel that you have a gambling problem, you can self-exclude from all Missouri casinos by visiting the Missouri Gaming Commission website or by visiting any casino in person. You can choose to self-exclude for a period of one year, five years, or for life. During this time, you will not be allowed to enter any Missouri casinos.

Who regulates gambling in Missouri?

The Missouri Gaming Commission is responsible for regulating all gambling activities in the state. The commission is made up of five members who are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. The commission oversees all aspects of gambling in Missouri, including licensing, regulation, and enforcement.

What is the minimum gambling age in Missouri?

The minimum gambling age in Missouri is 21 years old. This applies to all forms of gambling in the state, including casino gambling, poker, and sports betting. Anyone under the age of 21 who is caught gambling in Missouri can face criminal charges and fines.

Can I gamble online in Missouri?

No, online gambling is currently not legal in Missouri. While some states have legalized online gambling, Missouri has not yet passed any laws allowing for online casinos or sports betting. However, you can participate in daily fantasy sports contests and online horse racing betting in Missouri.

What types of gambling are legal in Missouri?

In Missouri, casino gambling, poker, horse racing, and daily fantasy sports contests are legal. The state also recently legalized sports betting, which will be offered at licensed casinos and online sportsbooks in the near future. However, online casino gambling is currently not legal in Missouri.

How many casinos are there in Missouri?

There are currently 13 casinos in Missouri. These casinos are located throughout the state and offer a variety of gambling activities, including slot machines, table games, and poker. Some of the largest casinos in Missouri include Ameristar Casino Resort Spa St. Charles, Hollywood Casino St. Louis, and Harrah’s North Kansas City.

Can I deduct gambling losses on my taxes in Missouri?

Yes, if you are a Missouri resident, you can deduct your gambling losses on your state income tax return. However, you must itemize your deductions and provide proof of your gambling losses, such as receipts or other documentation. Additionally, you can only deduct gambling losses up to the amount of your gambling winnings.